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Ismailia is a developing Egyptian Governorate, located 120 kms from Cairo
on the middle of the Suez Canal steam. Its population of about 751,009
people is distributed almost equally between rural (374,272) and urban
(340,737) areas. The economic structure is mixed between agriculture and
industry, though tourism also contributes to the income of Ismailia, due
to its locale on the Bitter Lakes. It represents an Arabic-Islamic Middle
Eastern culture.
The development of the anti-stigma programme
initiated in early 1999 has proceeded from the formation of the Initial
Planning Group (IPG) to the nomination and invitation of Local Action
Group members.
We have interviewed more than 200 patients
and family members in focus group discussions and obtained multiple evidences
of stigma and discrimination. We’ve found that stigma is practised
against patients and their families by their neighbours, community, and
even children in the streets. Focus group discussions done with medical
students including secondary school nursing students; mental health personnel;
nurses; midwives; medical, pharmacy and laboratory assistants, and other
groups—all suggest that stigma and discrimination are associated
with mental illness in general and schizophrenia in particular.
The IPG has contributed to the WPA effort
against stigma by translating the questionnaire assessment tools developed
at the Calgary Pilot Site in Canada, and adapting it to the Arabic language
and culture. In addition, we've added questions to explore knowledge about
the use of the term “schizophrenia” in Arabic or Fusam, since
in Egypt the illiteracy rate reaches to 60 or 70%. We have invited a group
of fifth year medical students to carry out a mini-survey on Bedouines
of Sainte Catherine in South Sinai, and have found that 89% of the random
sample knows nothing about schizophrenia. A brochure about the WPA Global
Programme was developed for use in meetings with professionals to inform
them about our expectations and objectives.
A research project is being prepared to
obtain funding from Suez Canal University, since we are still working
within an almost-zero budget.
Contact information
Local Action Group
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